Criminology and Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

A flexible, versatile degree completion program providing Associate of Arts (AA) graduates with endless career options in the Criminal Justice & Criminology fields. 
police car lights at night

Features

Entirely Online 
  • A seamless, flexible pathway to a four-year bachelor's degree with part-time and full-time study options
  • Learn about various aspects of work in law enforcement, the law/court system, probation/parole or institutional corrections, the juvenile system, advocacy or social justice reform
  • Advanced career opportunities - our dual-focus program provides opportunities for careers in police work, social justice reform, and much more
  • An applied approach - building critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills
  • Committed faculty with extensive experience working with criminal justice system partners
  • Dedicate, full-time staff to help you plan your courses and secure internships

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to the program, students must:

  • Have an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA

To graduate, students must have 120 units of credit including applicable transferable credit.

Questions? As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more. Additionally, your classes will be taught by the same distinguished, full-time faculty who teach on campus.

headshot of Gayle Rhineberger

Gayle Rhineberger

Professor

Criminal Justice Program Coordinator

gayle.rhineberger@uni.edu

319-273-3245

headshot of Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

Enrollment Contact

jamie.anderson@uni.edu

319-273-7206

Delivered Entirely online

Courses are offered online via Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with classmates. Some courses may also use Zoom.  

‌Sample Full Time sequence 

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
Our graduates are prepared to enter and advance their careers in:
  • ​Corrections
  • Law Enforcement
  • Community Organizations
  • Probation and Parole
  • Domestic/Sexual Assault Advocate
  • Juvenile Court Officer
  • Youth Specialist
  • Private/Public Security
  • Public Policy
  • Law
  • Crime Analysis and Research
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
Smiling students sitting outside with staff member
Delivered Entirely online

Courses are offered online via Blackboard, a dynamic platform that will enhance your learning experience and sense of community with classmates. Some courses may also use Zoom.  

‌Sample Full Time sequence 

Smiling student with laptop looking at camera
Our graduates are prepared to enter and advance their careers in:
  • ​Corrections
  • Law Enforcement
  • Community Organizations
  • Probation and Parole
  • Domestic/Sexual Assault Advocate
  • Juvenile Court Officer
  • Youth Specialist
  • Private/Public Security
  • Public Policy
  • Law
  • Crime Analysis and Research
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
Smiling students sitting outside with staff member

Future Ready Scholarships available

Through the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, students in this program may qualify to receive a scholarship covering the difference between community college and UNI tuition. To be eligible, you must complete the FAFSA and meet income and academic eligibility criteria.  Scholarship requirements include:

  • an associate's degree or 24+ credits from an Iowa Community College
  • a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be admissible to UNI
  • submitting the FAFSA, demonstrating financial need, as defined by the American Rescue Plan

Completing the FAFSA will allow UNI to potentially reduce or eliminate a student's remaining balance through other forms of financial aid, based on availability.

Next Steps


Express Interest

Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!


Apply Now

To be admitted to the program, students must have:

  •  an Associate of Arts degree or Associate of Science degree

When applying, you'll need to submit unofficial transcript sent directly to the Office of Admissions

This program offers three start terms per year -- Spring, Summer and Fall!


Learn more

Interested in learning more about Criminology & Criminal Justice programs at UNI? Visit the Sociology, Anthropology, & Criminology department's webpage.

 

Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.